Split in Two

"The Two Fridas" by Frida Kahlo

    Mexican artist Frida Kahlo most defining moment came in 1925, when her spine, pelvis, and foot were crushed in a bus accident. For a year, she had to endure painful and gradual recovery, so she decided to take up painting, which led her to be known for her amazing self portraits.
   One of her most famous and largest paintings that she had created is “The Two Fridas.” “The two Fridas” explore Frida Kahlo’s emotions regarding her divorce with Diego Rivera. The painting depicts two contrasting Frida’s side by side. One Frida that sits on the left, which was rejected (cheated) by Rivera, which shows her blouse ripped open exposing her torn, broken, and bleeding heart. The Frida towards the right shows a stronger Frida, whose heart is still whole, which may be taking care of the weaker Frida.

   In “Frida” the movie starting Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo, reenacts the painting it such a beautiful way, having the live action actors transitioning to the actual painting. Accompanied by the song Llorona by Chavela Vargas, it brings the audience to tears. It is as if we feel her pain, suffering, and heart break. The song, “La Llorona,” is such an amazing song that is featured along with the painting. At times you could feel that she is almost crying, and sadness is all over the vocals with the guitar mimicking her trembling voice, it's unbelievable.
   Little fun fact about Chavela Vargas, who was featured in the movie, was that she was friends with Frida, and even confessed to being in love with her. Crazy right? Yea, I know it is! A poem that reminds me so much of what Frida was going through, as well, was “The Two Fridas” by tonyp729, Tinley Park, IL. It captures the scene perfectly.

One person
Split in two by confusion,
Regret,
And the purity I once had

My heart aches.
Aches for his love in return
They way he touched
Made my body flutter.

No longer do I feel again.
Cutting myself off from what was
Leaving my stupidity
And immaturity behind

The blood of his infidelity drips
Now staining my pure faith in him
The previous me may have loved...

p://www.ebsqart.com/Education/Articles/Art-History-and-Criticism/2/Frida-Kahlo-and-Duality/5/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19141242

http://www.teenink.com/poetry/free_verse/article/316817/The-Two-Fridas/